The background drama is interesting, I think, and not well known. Like Subterraneans, this story was transplanted from one coast to another.
The Cassadys lived in the scenic foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the neighborhood was gentrifying in the years they were there. Many of the cultural contrasts in Beat epics were actually suggested by the various Beats and Pranksters playing off against the ritzy neighbors in Monte Sereno. There really was a bishop and his wife visiting in the Cassady home one evening while Ginsberg and Corso were there.
Milo is a stand-in for Neal Cassady, of course, and the resentment and struggles against wife Carolyn are not made up neither. The rhythm of the commentary over the action is exceptional. I don't know where I have seen the like.
The Cassadys lived in the scenic foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the neighborhood was gentrifying in the years they were there. Many of the cultural contrasts in Beat epics were actually suggested by the various Beats and Pranksters playing off against the ritzy neighbors in Monte Sereno. There really was a bishop and his wife visiting in the Cassady home one evening while Ginsberg and Corso were there.
Milo is a stand-in for Neal Cassady, of course, and the resentment and struggles against wife Carolyn are not made up neither. The rhythm of the commentary over the action is exceptional. I don't know where I have seen the like.